Aerial photography has a wide range of applications and there are a number of companies offering aerial photographic services. Choosing the right company will not only dictate the quality of the work but will also make the difference between meeting your deadlines, complying with the law and receiving the correct advice and expertise to get the results you require.

One of the most important influences on choosing the supplier is obviously the end product you wish to acquire. Aerial photography is not a homogenous product and there are many variables involved with aerial photography which can influence the end result as well as the cost. Below is a list of some of the types of Aerial Photography available;

The end use for the image will also dictate the type of equipment used. For display size photography, Larger than A1 it is important that the quality and detail exists to be able to expand the image up to the required size. Most good companies will still offer a Medium Format Film service as well as a digital service, only in very recent times has the digital equipment begun to rival the quality of film for big enlargements.

If precision survey photography or vertical photography is required the company must be able to fulfil this requirement with accurate GPS equipment and often with a gyro-stabilised camera mounting system.

However you choose your supplier, be sure to shop around, make sure you receive the expert advice, a good reputable company will suggest the most appropriate type of photography to fit your budget and brief even if they do not offer the service themselves.

Beware of casual/part time companies or individuals, they may not have the expertise to advise you or indeed be operating within the bounds of strict air law. A specialist Aerial photography company will own its own aircraft and employ full time qualified pilots which allow the flexibility to react to the prevailing weather conditions and therefore produce the best possible photography.

A good indication of the extent of a company’s aerial competence is the existence and size of their aerial photographic library. If a company has an extensive library they may also already have an image which will be sufficient and thus reducing your cost as you can merely purchase the library image from them for a smaller fee.

Many people who enjoy general aviation will have taken a camera up and happily snapped away to take advantage of some alternative views which would not have otherwise been possible. This type of aerial photography perfectly legal and can provide some fantastic images in the right conditions. However, when selling the images or taking a professional photographer with you who will sell the images this becomes commercial aerial photography and there are many considerations which must be taken into account.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) considers these just some of the important questions you should ask yourself before undertaking any flight:

Why are you taking pictures? Is there a valuable consideration being given for the flight?

Where are you going to fly?

Will you be in controlled airspace?

Will you be close to an Aerodrome?

How long will you be in the area?

How many people in the aircraft?

Will low flying military aircraft be a possible harzard?

How much equipment are you carrying?

Will you photograph other aircraft?

The above list of questions is not a definitive guide to the issues relating to aerial photography but it does highlight many different aspects which must be taken into account. These will clearly vary depending on the type of photography, for example event photography will pose different problems to construction photography or progress photography due to the large gathering of people at outdoor events.